Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani

Amongst the busy streets of Messina we can discover true artistic treasures. One of these is the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, built between 1150 and 1200 on the ruins of a pagan temple dedicated to Neptune. The external decoration of the church shows a strong Arab influence. The name 'chiesa dei Catalani' was given in the sixteenth century when it was assigned to a consortium of Catalan merchants who made it their headquarters and placed the coat of arms of Catalonia on the main door.